Last week Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association commissioned Deloitte to carry out a survey as to the performance of the Malta's tourism industry following the Brexit decision.

MHRA said that the sample sentiment analysis survey indicated that hoteliers and restaurateurs remain confident and positive about the performance of the tourism sector as a whole.

The Association reiterated however, that the success of the tourism sector "cannot and must not be taken for granted as it is very sensitive to political and economic changes that can happen both at a local and international level."

It said that Brexit is the latest development at an international level that may impact the tourism sector, however safety and security still rank highest in order of importance and sensitivity.

MHRA said that, "from a local perspective Air Malta is probably the major challenge that the Government is currently facing and decisions on this front definitely have an impact on the future performance of the tourism sector."

MHRA insisted that the Government must ensure that the decision making structure in any potential business arrangement that Air Malta may embark upon in the current restructuring process must remain within Maltese control. "Indeed it is when the going gets tough that such control becomes critical and appreciated by the wider tourism sector in Malta," it said.

MHRA also insisted that Air Malta is a critical variable in the success formula of the tourism sector and called upon the Air Malta pilots association (ALPA) "to act with prudence and refrain from short-sighted actions or threats that may lead to damaging the confidence of the tourist travelling to Malta."

MHRA continued by saying that it "reminds ALPA that the consequences of their actions, motivated by requests for further improved financial and working conditions, are already threatening the industry and livelihood of thousands. This is unacceptable."

"Let's not take success as some given right. We must all remain focused and seek solutions to ensure that Malta remains successful," the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association concluded.

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